NFL Draft Day 2: What to Expect From the Saints

Here's everything you need to know for Day 2 of the NFL Draft when it comes to the Saints.
NFL Draft Day 2: What to Expect From the Saints
NFL Draft Day 2: What to Expect From the Saints /
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The Saints are back for another night of picks, as they have two in Rounds 2-3 to make. New Orleans didn't trade up on the first night, being able to get one of their guys at No. 29 in Bryan Bresee from Clemson. Here's all you need to know for Day 2 of the NFL Draft for the black and gold.

2023 Saints Draft Primer: How to Watch, Where They Pick, All Intel

NFL Draft Schedule

  • Rounds 2-3: Friday, Apr. 28 at 6 p.m. CT
  • Rounds 4-7: Saturday, Apr. 29 at 11 a.m. CT

HOW TO WATCH: NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes

HOW TO STREAM: YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, Fubo TV and Sling TV

FULL NFL DRAFT ORDER: Rounds 1-7

KEY NEEDS: DE, RB, WR, LB, S, OL

PICKS MADE

How Bryan Bresee Fits In The Saints Defense

Remaining Saints Picks

  • Round 2, No. 40
  • Round 3, No. 71
  • Round 4, No. 115
  • Round 5, No. 146
  • Round 5, No. 165 (from PHI)
  • Round 7, No. 227
  • Round 7, No. 257 (compensatory)

What the Saints Could Do on Day 2

After addressing a glaring need at defensive tackle, things could go in a few different directions. On my only mock draft, linebacker Drew Sanders was the pick at No. 40. I think he'd be an outstanding replacement for Kaden Elliss, and there's a very big need there for New Orleans. Too many are going to get wrapped up in quarterbacks like Hendon Hooker and Will Levis being available, and that doesn't feel like an area to explore.

It wouldn't be surprising to see New Orleans also look for more pass rush help, particularly on the edge. This could be the day we see another offensive weapon added in some capacity, whether be a pass-catching threat or an addition to the backfield. However, I think the Saints could wait until Day 3 to get a running back.

The Saints could also look to continue building in the trenches, but over on the other side of the ball with an interior lineman. North Dakota's Cody Mauch is a fascinating athlete, and that would be someone to keep tabs on. Cornerback doesn't seem too likely, but don't rule out getting a defensive back to contribute. 

New Orleans picks high on Day 2 at No. 40, and then comes back in the 3rd Round with No. 71. They could make some trades here to move up, but keeping those picks would be ideal. 

POTENTIAL SAINTS TARGETS FOR DAY 2

  • O'Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida 
  • Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame 
  • Cody Mauch, T, North Dakota 
  • Brian Branch, DB, Alabama 
  • Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State 
  • Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech 
  • Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas 
  • Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee 
  • Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern 
  • Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor 
  • Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State 
  • Blake Freeland, OL, BYU 
  • Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
  • Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State 
  • Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas 
  • Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State 
  • Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
  • A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
  • Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
  • Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane

Saints Draft Pick Grades: Bryan Bresee


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John Hendrix
JOHN HENDRIX

I officially started covering the New Orleans Saints & other NFL topics in 2011. My work has been featured on various outlets over the years. I worked closely with Skyhorse Publishing in Fall 2018 to update the book, Tales From the New Orleans Saints Sidelines, which filled in all Saints material from the 2013-2017 seasons. Prior to joining Saints News Network, I served as the Managing Editor of SB Nation's Canal Street Chronicles for 3.5 years, and before that with FanSided's Who Dat Dish as the Managing Editor for several years. I have also had experiences of being a freelance Saints reporter for The Sun Herald in Biloxi, MS and a contributing writer for WDSU, a local NBC TV station in New Orleans. I have appeared on a vast amount of TV and Radio shows, both nationally and locally. For tips, comments, or suggestions, please contact me at johnhendrix@saintsnews.net